Erik ten Hag makes Harry Amass admission and explains two Manchester United substitutions

Erik ten Hag says there is still 'a long way to go' for Harry Amass following a breakthrough pre-season campaign for the Manchester United youngster.

Amass started in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the early hours of Sunday morning. With Luke Shaw afforded time off after his involvement in the latter stages of the European Championship and Tyrell Malacia continuing his comeback from injury, Amass was given the opportunity to shine on the pre-season tour and he did his chances of earning a first-team debut no harm at all.

After another accomplished performance against Liverpool, Ten Hag was asked whether he had been impressed by Amass' displays.

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"I said already there is potential, he has to improve," he told MUTV. "The last 12 days on the tour he made big steps, he was really tested in defending, he made a step forward but there is still a long way to go."

A running theme throughout United's pre-season campaign has been changes at centre-back. Ten Hag replaced his centre-backs at half-time in all five friendly outings, aside from the defeat to Arsenal when the injured Leny Yoro was replaced before the interval.

Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof were taken off at half-time against Liverpool and Ten Hag revealed the changes were necessary.

"We had to sub at half-time Jonny Evans because he was ill, Victor Lindelof precaution. There are some injuries but we have to see how bad they will be," he said.

Will Fish was taken off on a stretcher in the second half, yet Ten Hag was unable to provide any detail on the injury, saying: "We have to see what’s going on. The assessment, it was an impact injury."